Fly-tipping at Westfield Common in Woking has sparked a call for action from residents.

Parts of the green space have become regular dumping grounds for waste and residents are keen to tackle the problem, according to Westfield Common Residents’ Association (WCRA) chairman Bill Corney.

On Monday (January 6), Mr Corney emailed Woking Borough Council informing them of the rubbish that had been left on parts of the common where there is easy access.

A large collection of bin bags, conifer cuttings, a child’s scooter, chair, furniture and fridge were among the items dumped.

Mr Corney said: “WCRA and residents are keen to tackle the increased incidents of fly-tipping and other antisocial behaviour on Westfield Common.

"Westfield Common is a Site of Nature Conservation Importance.

"Residents value the common as a natural refuge from the stresses of modern urban living.

"The dumping of both commercial and domestic waste erodes both the natural environment and leisure value of the common land for the detriment of both wildlife and people.

“A number of locations on Westfield Common have become regular dumping grounds for all manner of waste.”

Mr Corney said the residents’ association is not prepared to put up with the fly-tipping and is lobbying local authorities and councillors to ensure action is taken.

“Easy-to-implement measures such CCTV monitoring of the known hotspots or the reintroduction of boundary posts to prevent incursion by vehicles onto the common would go some way to addressing these matters,” he added. “In the meantime we urge all residents and locals to report any incidents.”

According to the Woking Borough Council website, fly-tipping on public land is removed by Serco, on behalf of the council.

In November, residents were given the opportunity to attend a meeting and have their say on the future of the common. Surrey Wildlife Trust (SWT) is working with Woking Borough Council, Westfield Common Residents’ Association, Westfield (Hoe Valley) Residents’ Association and other residents to improve the network of small woods, grasslands and ponds to the south of the town centre.

The problem of people dumping garden waste was highlighted at the meeting as it leads to non-native invasive species, such as variegated yellow archangel, spreading on to the common.